The North London rivalry is born

This weekend, Arsenal and Tottenham meet at Emirates Stadium in the latest instalment of one of English football's fiercest rivalries. But what lies at the root of this bitter North London dispute? The answer can be found in a sequence of events in the 1910s, and in a shadowy, legendary figure found deep in Arsenal's history.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger initially said the Germany international would be out for three weeks, but the French coach said on Thursday that he now expects to be without Podolski for up to ten weeks.

He told the club's official website: "It is bad news about Lukas Podolski as he will be out for eight to ten weeks. His hamstring is much more damaged than we thought at the start.

"It is very disappointing and we have paid a very heavy price for that win [over Fenerbahce]. We have to be patient now."

There was better news regarding the fitness of midfield duo Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey, with the knocks the pair suffered against Fenerbahce only minor, meaning they will be available for Sunday's game against Tottenham.

Podolski's lengthy absence puts yet more pressure on Wenger to spend, with Yaya Sanogo the only arrival to date -- although Mathieu Flamini is expected to arrive on a free transfer.

Wenger is already without Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Mikel Arteta and Thomas Vermaelen, with the former suffering a knee injury on the opening day of the season that will keep him out for three months.